Hey everyone, I’m Sam and I’m going to tell you all about working in Heslington Hall a postgraduate student studying arts and humanities.
A Multifaceted Manor
Heslington Hall is such a picturesque place to study. It really embodies a “romantic” image of academic. The reddish orange facade with its jutting windows shows off Tudor tastes. The interior decor which was largely redone by Yarburgh in the 19th century.
A plaque dedicated to RAF Bomber Command – stationed in the Hall during the WW2 – adds another story to the history of the building. The History of Art exhibitions showcase material culture, with particular emphasis on Northern life and expressions.
Flanking the foyer are the old reception spaces. The old dining room is to the left, and to the right is the drawing room, library, and the Long Gallery. By day, these are the seminar spaces for humanities students. In the evening they serve as spaces for the period study centres, hosting a variety of speakers across the range of the humanities.
The wider working spaces through the two wings of the Hall house the related faculty, staff, and PhD students in the Arts and Humanities. It’s a lively interdisciplinary community under one roof. There is more of an opportunity than ever to attend talks in Medieval Studies, Renaissance Studies, Eighteenth Century Studies, and Modern Studies. When there aren’t active events happening, the community remains active in the PhD workspaces which are spread across the building.
Our Workspace
There is a variety of workspaces to choose from which offer different work environments. There are silent and studious buzz zones which accommodate both quiet and collaborative workstyles. We have access to docking stations and monitors, so there is always a place to work.
Philosophers, historians, art historians, literary scholars, and linguists work side-by-side, forming a scholarly community open both to intellectual and amicable discussions. This has been as much a space for developing social communities as it has been for establishing intellectual ones. The seeds of reading groups and conferences have frequently been sown through passing conversations and coffee meet-ups.
The workspace notice board is always being update with upcoming events, and we’re encouraged to suggest our own.
Additionally, there are a variety of spaces for collaborative work, including the foyer, and several bookable rooms throughout the Hall. They’re perfect for virtual or in-person meetings. There are also rooms in the older areas of the building if you want to make a statement!
Social Spaces
It isn’t all work around here! Our postgraduate lounge in the North Wing is the common space for lunches most of the year. In the summer we often congregate for lunch on the croquet lawn. It’s a great way to make sure you take much needed breaks and get to know your peers. While the Hall itself offers many chances to get to know your wider community, nearby cafes and pubs on and off campus make for easy respites and spots for meeting with other academics.
Speaking of respites, if you’re needing a change of scene, or something more serene, the Hall can accommodate you. There are so many areas to explore, and even outside spaces too!
The Quiet Space
When your work gets overwhelming, we have the Quiet Space for breaks. It’s got comfy chairs, puzzles, fidgets, and is away from the many areas. It’s the perfect spot to unwind. Postgraduate degrees can be stressful, but working in Heslington Hall really helps with that.
Heslington Hall has provided the Humanities Research Centre with an opportunity to tailor a space to the needs of its students and researchers. There are a variety of spaces that you will have access to, and the warmth of the PGR community can be felt as soon as you step inside!
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